Cheetah Conservation in South Africa

Cheetah Conservation in South Africa

Three New Spots

On a late summer morning, three tiny shapes appeared in the tall grass – new life flickering in the shadows. These cubs, barely a few weeks old, joined Karongwe’s resident cheetah family, adding three more individuals to a global population of only 6,000. 

For the reserve team, this was no lucky sighting. It was proof that habitat restoration, careful population management, and targeted species reintroduction are working. 

Karongwe already protects three adult males and two adult females. Now, with these new cubs, the reserve holds one of the most significant small populations in the region. The cubs’ survival depends on wide, open grasslands rich in prey – something the reserve is restoring with a bold plan. 

Brett Bowes, Executive Director of Karongwe, explains: “Cheetah are vulnerable to both predators and human pressure. If you don’t give them space – real, connected, wild space – you don’t get cubs. And without cubs, the species has no future.” 

This birth had more to do with planned parenthood than a happy accident. At Karongwe, every cheetah cub is the result of careful, deliberate work — from managing habitat to keep bush encroachment in check and creating open hunting grounds, to monitoring antelope populations so there’s always enough prey to sustain a growing family. 

Behind the scenes, we also collaborate with regional partners to manage genetic diversity, ensuring our cheetahs are not only thriving here, but strengthening the species’ future far beyond our boundaries. 

Brett, who leads Karongwe’s conservation strategy together with Warden Edwin Young, says the reserve’s collaboration with neighbouring properties is vital: “We manage our cheetah as part of a bigger landscape. That’s the only way to keep the gene pool healthy.”

The cubs will stay close to their mother for up to two years, learning the skills they’ll need to survive. Edwin and his team of dedicated conservationists track the family from a respectful distance, logging movements and noting feeding success.

Assistant Head Guide Jack recalls the first time he spotted them: “They were tumbling over each other in the grass. No idea about how rare and precious they are. Moments like that make every long day worth it.”

With wild cheetah numbers in decline, every successful litter is a win for the species. Karongwe’s cubs represent hope — not only for this reserve, but for the international conservation community. 

For the people of the reserve, this is just the beginning. And for guests, there’s something profoundly moving about seeing them in person, knowing their stay helps fund the protection that makes such small miracles possible.